Seren ran deeper into the forest as fast as she could despite her aching ankle. Getting freedom was more important than that momentary pain. Although it was nighttime and the forest was dark, she was not blindly going forward like that time she ran away from the capital. She couldn't see her path clearly, but the shorter trees in this forest allowed enough moonlight to keep her walking farther.
After some time, she heard the sound of someone stepping on the dried leaves and twigs. She stopped to make sure it was not her own footsteps and looked around carefully, but there was nothing to see but shadows around her. That sound was getting closer to her.
'What is it?' she thought. 'A wild animal?'